Ep. 46 | Branding Challenge for My Mom: Lisa O. Pace: Homemaker, Childhood Educator, and Angel on Earth
Mar 19, 2024Listen on:
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Few things are as daunting and intimate as designing a brand for someone you know inside and out—especially when that someone is your mother. In the latest episode of "Aesthetically Speaking," we embarked on a heartfelt journey to create an aesthetic and brand that encapsulates the essence of a woman who has dedicated her life to fostering love, learning, and creativity.
Understanding Lisa O. Pace
Meet Lisa O. Pace, our mom, and the inspiration behind our branding challenge. Lisa's story is one of devotion—a homemaker and childhood educator who has raised seven children and poured her passion into countless endeavors from music to literacy. Now, with her nest empty, we wanted to create a brand that not only honored her past commitments but also embraces her vibrant personality and the new chapter ahead.
Creating the Brand Aesthetic
When branding for someone so close to your heart, the challenge becomes about more than just aesthetics—it's about capturing a lifetime of love, learning, and leadership. Lisa O'Pace is not just our mother; she is an advocate for justice, a lover of the arts, and a pillar in her community. With such a rich tapestry to draw from, I knew we needed a design that was as complex and profound as she is.
Mood Boards, Color Palettes and Monograms
My first step was diving into creating a mood board, gathering images that struck a chord with Lisa's interests and values. I used Pinterest to get inspiration. I wanted to create a palette that breathes nostalgia and tranquility—deep navy, meadow green, sage, pale English gray, mustard yellow, and pale pink. Every color choice reflected an aspect of Lisa's life; the meadow green, for instance, is a nod to her bedroom when growing up.
I played with monogram designs, eventually landing on an ambigram that integrated 'LOP,' our mother's initials. It was crucial for each element to symbolize the multifaceted nature of her personality—from the leaf (her growth and nurturing spirit) to the heart (the love she gives and receives). The design captures both her longevity and adaptability, much like the old-time block prints she adores.
The Essence of the Brand and Design Choices
The font I chose required a delicate balance. It had to be mature yet whimsical, refined yet charming. 'Ogg' fit the bill perfectly, encapsulating the illustrative and classic feel reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, a favorite of Lisa's—for whom storybooks are a personal emblem of the joy in childhood discovery.
The Perfect Tagline
"Home + Maker"—the tagline I settled on—explores the concept of homemaking beyond the usual connotations, capturing Lisa's intentional approach to cultivating a nurturing environment. It highlights creativity and purpose, words that Mom has lived by whether through holiday planning, event orchestration, or simply managing a bustling household.
Ultimately, creating a brand for someone you know so well is both a privilege and a revelation. It's an opportunity to reflect on the layers of a person's life and showcase them in a visual language that can be shared with the world. We encourage you to listen to the full episode on "Aesthetically Speaking" to hear how we navigated personal anecdotes, professional decorum, and creative flair in developing Lisa O. Pace's brand identity.
Take a look at the branding from this episode:
Work with Rebecca:
- Brand + Website Design
- Personal Brand Mastery
- Brand in a Day
- Creative Partnership
- Client Case Studies
Previous Episodes/Blog Posts:
- Ep. 2 | Branding Challenge: Branding for Our Brother, Andrew
- Ep. 4 | Branding Challenge: Branding Our Sister, Caroline
- Ep. 6 | Branding Challenge: Branding for Our Sister Eliza, a Journalist & Educator
- Ep. 9 | Branding Challenge: Branding Rebecca's Husband, Cob
- Ep. 17 | Branding Challenge - Marianne's Sunless Tanning Business, Custom Sun
- Ep. 20 | Abby's Branding Session
- Ep. 23 | Branding Challenge - Not Legal Advice - Abby's Informational Legal Brand
Connect with Rebecca:
Welcome to Aesthetically Speaking: The podcast for all things branding, design, and aesthetics for women in business.
On this show we’ll discuss the strategies that make brands of all sizes massively successful. I’m Rebecca, a brand strategist and designer and my sister, Abby is a lawyer with no design experience, here as my co-host!
Have you ever wondered how to create a brand so cohesive people can recognize it a mile away, no matter where they see it? Do you ever struggle to capture the attention of your ideal client and KEEP it with a compelling brand and message? Are you ready to stand out as a unique and valuable service provider regardless of how “saturated” the market is? Aesthetically Speaking is for you!
We believe that your brand is the most valuable asset in your business and should be your greatest investment. As moms and entrepreneurs, we know how to use branding to put your business in front of the RIGHT people, get them EXCITED about your offer, and help your brand BLOW UP online, so you can make more impact *and* more money.
Every TUESDAY, we’ll discuss a unique branding challenge and analyze different aspects of creating a unique and high-value brand for YOUR business.